The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 4
“Hah.”
As he let out a scoff, the other nobles began laughing freely along with him. Insulting and mocking remarks followed, pouring in from every direction.
Andreas, wearing a composed expression, casually leaned against the champagne table three steps behind him. It would have been wiser for her to have targeted another alpha. But she stood there, as calm and collected as someone who had forgotten what rejection was.
This time, he had to reject her properly. He lowered his gaze and opened his mouth.
“I think I know how you managed to revive your family.”
“And how exactly should I interpret that?”
Elysia smiled, as if she had anticipated his words. Even though she knew he was mocking her, she didn’t back down. The unexpected bland reaction twisted his mood even further.
“Just as it sounds. Is there anything you can do besides selling your body?”
There was no point in any further unnecessary conversation. Andreas grabbed a glass of champagne and called out irritably.
“Who in the world invited an omega who doesn’t know her place to an event like this?”
Snickers and sounds of people clicking their tongues echoed from various corners. But even as their scornful words surrounded her, Elysia remained upright, her back straight, smiling. The only difference now was that her smile had taken on a chilling edge.
He had barely exchanged a few words with her, yet he already felt exasperated. Andreas decided it was for the best—he would use her rudeness as an excuse to leave the ballroom. Just as he turned to leave, her soft voice stopped him in his tracks.
“You’ll regret this.”
At her words, the atmosphere froze. No one dared to laugh anymore. Andreas, who had been smirking moments before, let out a short sigh.
Well, she was certainly better than the alphas or betas who wagged their tails before retreating in defeat. But how much humiliation would it take to make her leave? With a tired expression, he turned around and walked straight toward her, stopping right in front of her.
“Why not release your pheromones and try seducing me properly? At least then, I’d acknowledge the effort.”
His deep, resonant voice filled the ballroom. The silence Elysia had created was almost laughable. Swallowing his discomfort, Andreas spoke again.
“Shouldn’t you prove yourself useful as a tool? It’s only natural to be discarded once you’ve served your purpose.”
His piercing gaze locked onto her, as if trying to see right through her. The cold blue eyes staring up at him without a trace of emotion made him let out a bitter smile. His gaze, sharp enough to destroy everything in its path, bore into her as though it could shatter her completely.
With one cold glance, many of those around them froze on the spot. Andreas smirked as he added,
“You’re not even worthy of being a useful tool to me.”
There had once been a woman with whom marriage discussions had taken place shortly after he inherited the dukedom. She had been a desirable dominant omega and a prominent figure in high society.
Andreas had intended to solidify his family’s position through marriage with her. He had also thought it would be proper to present his mother with a respectable son as quickly as possible.
But that woman had fallen in love with one of his servants and attempted to elope. Both of them disappeared without a trace that night.
When Andreas found out, he replaced all the servants and focused on reorganizing the estate. He hadn’t loved her, so he wasn’t deeply hurt by the incident.
However, the feelings of distrust he had been suppressing since his father’s untimely death began creeping back up. He found himself unable to trust people easily.
It was around that time that Elysia Brillen confessed to him.
Andreas had no intention of giving his heart to anyone, nor did he feel the need to accept her.
I’ll reject her, he thought.
Recalling that moment, he clicked his tongue briefly.
He didn’t believe Elysia had a strange hobby of chasing after men just for the thrill of it. But if it helped him get out of this situation, he was willing to play along for a moment.
He took two large steps toward her, leaning down to whisper in her ear.
“You’d do better to leave quietly, like an omega should. If it’s for your household, find another man.”
A short laugh escaped from beside him.
